Laid off Hostess workers eligible for Federal job assistance

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The hundreds of Mainers who lost their jobs when Hostess closed its doors in November will get help finding a new job or career. This week, the US Department of Labor announced that Mainers affected by the Hostess layoffs are eligible for help through Trade Adjustment Assistance, or TAA.

The federal program, created in 1974, provides support to those workers who lost their jobs due to foreign trade. The Mainers laid off by the Hostess company are now eligible for benefits such as job placement assistance and career counseling. They also qualify for funding for tuition costs for programs that will train displaced workers for a new career path.

Bangor CareerCenter Manager, Ed Upham, says TAA is a great opportunity for workers who have lost their jobs to get a fresh start.

"A lot of people, once they get over the shock of losing their job, look at this as an opportunity," he said. "And it is a great opportunity to get those skills that you always wanted to get, to get that job that you always wanted to get, maybe to get that training that you always wanted, to find that perfect job."

Those interested in finding out more about the Trade Assistance Program, or employment programs in general, can call the Bangor CareerCenter at 1-888-828-0568.